Cohoctah Township rider wins world titles

Holly Armstrong and her Pinto American Saddlebred horse Paddyngton’s Mark of Distinction won the Open Parade Horse and the Western Saddle Type Equipment titles at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. They are undefeated in the Saddlebred circuit in the division this year, Armstrong told the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus ( http://bit.ly/1brmIWv ).

“When I got my victory lap done, I got off my horse and gave her a hug,” Armstrong told the newspaper.

Armstrong, 42, is a 1988 Durand High School graduate. She has shown horses since she was 4 years old.

“I ate and slept horses; I love everything about them,” she said. “I love their compassion, friendship and the bond I’ve had with the many, many horses I’ve had over the years.”

She began professionally training in 1996. Paddyngton’s Mark of Distinction is one of about nine horses she shows during the season, which runs from April through November. She trains and gives lessons at her Cohoctah farm, Meadow Reflections Farm.

“I have 19 clients, from kids to adults, who show,” Armstrong said. “I love to see the passion in the young ones, and some have gone on to be trainers of their own.”

She bought Paddyngton’s Mark of Distinction two years ago.

“He was a stinker when I got him,” she said. “Now, he’s a favorite horse in the barn.”

Armstrong and Paddyngton’s Mark of Distinction are now preparing for competitions in Ohio, St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo.